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We\u2019ve all heard the saying: \u201cMoney can\u2019t buy happiness.\u201d The gag of it is, it\u2019s usually said by someone who\u2019s never had to choose between their gym membership<\/a> and groceries or genuinely had to weigh the emotional cost of doing their own baseboard cleaning. As a gal who is by no means rolling in dollar bills, I know that money cannot literally buy you joy. But it can buy things that make life a whole lot more manageable\u2014and in turn, happier. Sure, we\u2019re not at the point where you can Prime a bottle of instant optimism to your doorstep, but investing in things that protect your peace? That\u2019s the next best thing.<\/p>\n Whether you’re outsourcing meals or putting your well-being first, these eight purchases aren\u2019t splurges\u2014they\u2019re self-care strategies. If you\u2019ve ever questioned whether spending on yourself<\/a> was \u201cworth it,\u201d consider this your permission slip. No, money can\u2019t buy happiness, but these buys come awfully close.<\/p>\n Walking into your apartment after a long day and having it smell like a boutique hotel lobby, or a friend stopping mid-conversation to ask what candle you’re burning? The epitome of class and sophistication. Idea: your home deserves a signature scent!! Here’s how to get there.<\/p>\n This diffuser<\/a> allows you to skip candles and reed diffusers entirely, using only cold air and fragrance oil to fill the room. You can control it straight from its app and set it on a schedule so your space smells good before you even walk through the door. Plus, it’s verified Sephora Clean and pet-friendly. <\/p>\n Use code EVERYGIRL10 for 10% off!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n Use code EVERYGIRL10 for 10% off!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n We\u2019re big believers in therapy around here\u2014and not just when you\u2019re in a full-blown crashout. Investing in your mental health regularly (and proactively) is one of the smartest and kindest things you can do for yourself. If finding a therapist through insurance or doing an internet deep dive overwhelms you, platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Headspace make therapy and guided mindfulness more accessible than ever. Whether you\u2019re managing anxiety, setting boundaries, processing grief, or just trying to make sense of modern life, therapy offers structured support on your own schedule. Is it an expense? Yes. But it\u2019s one that has ripple effects\u2014on your relationships, work, confidence, and sense of self\u2014that are well worth the cost.<\/p>\n Buying a new mattress is one of those things we don’t think about until we absolutely need to, but having one that fits your needs and preferences is more important than you might think. Sleep is one of the most foundational elements of mental and physical health, and yet so many of us are tossing, turning, and waking up feeling like we wrestled a bear all night. Upgrading your mattress to a high-quality option\u2014from an expert-recommended brand like Casper or Tuft & Needle\u2014can drastically improve your sleep, which has a direct impact on your mood, focus, and immune system<\/a>. It\u2019s not about luxury; it\u2019s about being able to function for everything life throws at you. You spend roughly a third of your life in bed, so you might as well make it a place where you’re as comfortable and supported as possible.<\/p>\n You know what\u2019s exhausting? Planning, shopping for, and cooking three meals a day, every day. Especially if you\u2019re juggling work, a social life, or just trying to survive the week without eating peanut butter on a spoon over the sink again. That\u2019s where meal kits (like HelloFresh<\/a> or Home Chef<\/a>) and grocery delivery (like Shipt<\/a> or Thrive Market) can be game-changers. They cut down on planning time, reduce the number of grocery store runs where you aimlessly walk around and buy nothing you actually need, and help you eat healthier all around. When dinner is one less thing to overthink, you can reclaim that precious brain space for things that light you up\u2014like reading, relaxing, or doomscrolling in peace.<\/p>\n Repeat after us: Fitness doesn\u2019t have to be a punishment. It should be something that energizes you, lifts your mood, and makes you feel strong in more ways than one. Whether you\u2019re into boutique classes (hi, reformer Pilates), traditional gyms, or even virtual workouts you do from your living room, finding a form of movement you like can be transformative. Regular physical activity<\/a> is scientifically proven to boost serotonin, reduce anxiety, and help with sleep\u2014all major happiness wins. So yes, a monthly fitness membership might seem like a splurge, but if it helps you feel good in your body and emotionally grounded, it\u2019s worth every penny.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to drop thousands on a European vacation to reap the benefits of travel and experiences (although, if you do, please take me with you). The point is that spending on experiences<\/a>\u2014big or small\u2014has the potential to bring more lasting happiness than spending on material things. That could mean a weekend getaway with your best friends, a solo museum day, a cooking class, or even just a night out where you look cute and treat yourself. Experiences create memories, foster connection, and give you something to look forward to, which is a sneaky little hack for happiness in itself. Things gather dust, but memories gather meaning.<\/p>\n Noise-canceling headphones aren\u2019t just for tech snobs, people! For anyone who works from home, commutes on public transit, lives with roommates (or children), or gets overstimulated easily, they’re a sensory must-have. With the press of a button, they create a buffer between you and the chaos of the world, which can allow you some much-needed peace and quiet throughout your day. Whether you\u2019re tuning into a podcast<\/a>, zoning out with a playlist, meditating to brown noise, or just blocking out the construction outside your window, they offer instant serenity in a way few things can.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s be honest: Some of the most joyful moments of adulthood come from getting a break from your responsibilities. Whether it\u2019s an hour to grab coffee alone, a child-free date night, or a stress-free weekend trip knowing your dog is being taken care of by a sitter, it\u2019s money well spent. <\/p>\n Hiring help doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t handle it all. It means you\u2019re smart enough to know that you shouldn\u2019t have to.<\/em> Your time is valuable, and sometimes, spending a little to buy back some bandwidth is the happiest decision you\u2019ll make. Because sometimes, happiness looks like someone else walking your dog (thank you, Rover<\/a>!) while you sip iced coffee in a silent car.<\/p>\n As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna collaborates with our sales team by creating both written and social media content, collecting and analyzing performance data to report back to our partners, and assisting our editors with their everyday tasks to ensure a smooth and productive process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Aura House but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.<\/em><\/p>\n1. A signature scent for your home<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\nAura House<\/div>\n\n
\n Starter Kit <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n
\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n
\n ![\"Starter](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/THE-KNOT-SHOPPING-2.png\")
<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\nAura House<\/div>\n\n
\n Starter Kit <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n
\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n2. Therapy or mental health app subscriptions<\/h2>\n
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3. A high-quality mattress for better sleep<\/h2>\n
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\n ![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/homeaglowshop-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\nCasper<\/div>\n\n
\n The One Mattress <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n
\n ![\"Original](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/homeaglowshop-2.jpg\")
<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\nTuft & Needle<\/div>\n\n
\n Original Mattress <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n4. A weekly meal kit or grocery delivery subscription<\/h2>\n
5. A gym or fitness class membership<\/h2>\n
![\"Homeaglow](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/homeaglow-in-article-2-768x1024.jpeg\")
6. Travel or experience-based spending<\/h2>\n
7. Noise-canceling headphones for peace of mind<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\nBose<\/div>\n\n
\n QuietComfort Headphones <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n
\n ![\"Studio](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/homeaglowshop-4.jpg\")
<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\nBeats<\/div>\n\n
\n Studio Pro Headphones <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n8. Hiring a babysitter or pet sitter<\/h2>\n
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\n <\/div>\n\nABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/div>\n\nMcKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editoral Assistant<\/h3>\n
READ MCKENNA’S FULL BIO<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n